Brother Zhe?
He didn't tell me he's back? He wants to give me a surprise?
Hey, Brother Zhe.
You wanted to surprise me? I'm giving you a surprise now...
Your Majesty?
How dare you assault me, Su Dongpo! Which hand did you use to hit me just now?
This one.
Are you sure it was that one?
Yes.
Grab him. Chop off both his hands.
No, please. I need my right hand to write with.
Wait.
Help...
Master.
Honey, why am I on the ﬂoor?
You had another nightmare.
You grabbed my foot and kept kicking. So I kicked you off the bed.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.
Are you OK?
I'm fine.
Let me rub it for you.
What was your nightmare about this time? Why were you screaming for help?
I dreamt of His Majesty.
It was just a dream. How can you take it seriously?
But the two princes have been assigned to guard the imperial tombs now.
I may be next on his list. Dead.
What do you mean dead? Touch wood. Don't scare yourself.
His Majesty doesn't get along with the two princes. He just grabbed this opportunity.
Empress Dowager was also involved. But she's still fine.
Empress Dowager?
You're so good to me. You know I love bird's nest pudding.
I'm happy you like it.
But I prefer family joy.
It would be nice if your two younger brothers were here.
When Prince Qi and Prince Jia kept pressuring me.
Why did you side with them?
I wasn't siding with them.
They're your brothers.
Why did you assign them to guard the imperial tombs?
The three of you are brothers.
Brothers? Shall I give them the throne and the nation then?
I know you hate hearing this. But I must say it.
As Cao Zhi said, why are brothers so eager to persecute each other?
All of you stand down.
Eager to persecute each other?
Who was persecuting me? Who didn't think of me as her own son?
I...I...
Enough. Don't you find your conduct really pathetic?
You should know I'm your son too
even though you think I'm not and you don't want me to be the emperor anymore.
You better stay here for good to pray for Song day and night.
I will come less often from now on.
But you'll still have everything you enjoyed in the palace. Take care.
Your Majesty...
Jixiang, you keep an eye on her life here. No mistakes allowed.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Tell people that Empress Dowager insists on praying for the nation.
That's why she will move to Cihang Nunnery to worship for good.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Long live Your Majesty.
There was a rumor among the people causing much chaos in the administration.
Thanks to Prime Minister Wang and Officer Tian
for clarifying the misunderstanding and misconception for me.
They both deserve the credit for this.
Therefore they will be reinstated to their posts now.
They will be rewarded too.
Much obliged, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, there's been another rumor
that you've put Empress Dowager under house arrest.
I'm of the view that you should send someone
to bring her back to the palace immediately
to protect your reputation and show filial piety.
Please consider this, Your Majesty.
The last rumor has enlightened me. Only a strong person can stop rumors.
As long as no one mentions such unfounded gossip again,
then the rumor will die on its own.
Your Majesty, this is the best moment to bring Empress Dowager back to the palace
in order to protect your reputation and show filial piety.
Please consider this seriously.
Didn't you hear what I said?
I told you not to mention the unfounded gossip again.
Of course I heard you. No one likes faithful admonitions.
Even though Your Majesty hates hearing it, I still insist on saying it.
Drag Su Dongpo out and ﬂog him 30 times.
Your Majesty...
Whoever objects to this will also be flogged 30 times. Drag him out.
Your Majesty, I don't mind being ﬂogged. Your reputation is at stake.
You must bring Empress Dowager back to the palace immediately.
You must be a role model for the people by showing filial piety.
Anything else?
Hey, be gentle please.
Do you need to use so much pressure? Are you trying to kill me?
You're lucky your butt isn't a mess.
Do you need to say that? Are you happy that my butt is a mess?
Let me tell you,
the guards wrapped the cane with cloth so you wouldn't be seriously wounded.
You were flogged outside the Grand Hall. His Majesty only heard it. He didn't see it.
That's why you didn't suffer that much.
But I didn't pay the guards.
Prime Minister Wang told them in advance not to ﬂog so hard.
Wang Anshi? Why would he be so nice?
He knew someone would speak up for Empress Dowager.
So he gave instructions to the guards in advance.
He didn't expect you would benefit from it.
Fine. You'll be the next person to benefit, OK?
I can't enjoy such benefit.
These are external wounds.
You must walk more often to improve your blood circulation.
Then you'll heal faster.
OK...
Master, Damei and Xiaomei have come to see how you're doing.
Get up...Help me up. Pack your things...
Master.
Brother Dongpo.
How are you? Does it really hurt?
Don't touch it...I'm fine. It's just a minor scratch.
Look. I can walk really fast. I'm OK. I can even walk faster than before.
Right, Dr Shi?
Mrs. Su, this is the prescription. Apply the medicine on the wounds.
Thank you, Dr Shi.
Get some good rest, Officer Su. Goodbye.
Goodbye. I'll grab a drink with you after I've recovered. Bye.
Did His Majesty really seek retribution?
It's not retribution. It's OK. Everything will be fine after a while.
His Majesty is forgetful.
Damei, watch the restaurant for me during this period.
I will stay home to look after him.
OK.
That won't be necessary. Dr Shi said my body is tough.
I'll be fine in a couple of clays. Don't worry about me.
You should watch the restaurant.
But you...
Well?
I've got nothing to do anyway.
Why don't I stay here and look after Brother Dongpo?
Can I depend on you? No way.
Trust me. Dr Shi said I'll be better in no time if I walk more.
Hey, I'm taking a walk in the garden now. I'll show you.
Don't follow me. I can walk very fast.
I'm cool and smart.
How can I let those women point their fingers at my butt?
How can I face people if they find out?
Ouch. It hurts even though I'm sitting down so slowly?
Seriously? This is so sad...
Officer Su.
Hey, Qin Cao. You want to see me about something?
Hows your wound?
No one knows your good deeds but everyone knows your embarrassments.
I told ling ling to prepare edible goldfish soup in the kitchen for you
as soon as I got here.
It will make the bruises go away faster.
Thank you very much. You're really so kind.
I was told that walking could make you heal faster.
Shall we take a stroll together?
OK.
His Majesty went too far.
Getting ﬂogged 30 times is nothing
in comparison with what's happened to Empress Dowager.
She just wanted to clarify the matter and verify His Majesty's identity.
I can't believe His Majesty
would disregard the fact that Empress Dowager is his own mother.
Why make yourself suffer for His Majesty's family affairs?
You know my character. That's my temperament.
Ouch...I forgot that my butt hurts.
I always speak my mind.
Isn't it true that not everyone has children?
But all children have mothers.
Why didn't he think of how his mom
carried him for so many months and spent so much effort raising him?
Are you OK? What are you thinking?
Actually, I'm an abandoned orphan.
I struggled to survive during my childhood until I met my foster father.
That's when my life improved.
Are you mad at your mother? Do you know where she is now?
I wish I knew where she is.
If I knew who she is, perhaps I would be mad at her.
Too bad I have no recollection of her at all
It seems you're not mad at her. You even want to meet her, right?
You do know me well.
You're so kind to come visit me.
But I've made you so melancholic. I'm sorry.
It's a blessing for me to meet you.
Actually it's better to retire and live freely than serve the emperor.
Has it ever crossed your mind to quit?
It's snowing.
It's so beautiful.
Your Majesty has finally finished reading
the impeachment reports from the imperial censor.
I work hard and love the people. I can multitask.
I'm of royal blood. Of course I have the wit of my ancestors.
I want to go to Waterside Cottage now. Prepare everything for me.
I was there just now.
Jing Jing said Miss Qin Cao has something urgent to do tonight.
Again? Why is she so busy lately?
Do you know what she's doing? Tell me.
As far as I know, she rarely goes out. She only went out twice.
She went to the same place on both occasions.
Where did she go?
She went to Officer Su Dongpo's home.
Memorial.
Guys, I've decided to quit my job.
You mean you want to resign and return to your hometown?
Yes.
Good. Let's sell Spring Wine Restaurant
and use the money to buy several acres of land in your hometown.
We can grow vegetables and keep some pigs.
We can even run a small restaurant.
You'll let me carry on with the business?
Of course. I don't want you to forget your cooking skills.
That's to my disadvantage.
Thank you, honey.
I'll be a teacher in my hometown. We'll be frugal and raise Mai there.
Then we won't need to worry for the rest of our life.
Right.
Then Jichang and I will go with you too. The cost of living in the capital is high.
There are so many people here. It's unsafe too.
I want to follow Brother Dongpo and Sis Runzhi.
OK. Whatever you like, Damei.
What about you, Sis Mi?
Me? My husband calls the shot.
But if he's not home by then, I think I will go see him.
It's decided then, Sis Mi.
Can you not move so far away?
Xiaomei, I don't mean to leave you behind.
You're a grown woman now. You're married to Shaoyou.
You must follow your husband like Sis Mi, OK?
You say I'm a grown woman.
But you still hit my forehead like I'm still a little girl.
You will forever be a little girl to me.
If Shaoyou resigns in future, you can both come and join me.
Then we'll have a family reunion.
Deal.
Deal...OK. I will quit and leave. I'll eat preserved meat instead of sharks fin.
Master Su, there's an imperial order.
His Majesty says Magistrate Su Shi is bold in making the admonition.
He's selfless and law-abiding.
He will be promoted to the post of Imperial Censor Grade Three.
He must report to duty right away.
Much obliged.
His Majesty also said Officer Su
may stay at home to recuperate
before taking up the new post.
During this period, you can prepare for your new job.
Yes.
Goodbye.
This is really great. So His Majesty is forgiving.
He's even promoted Brother Dongpo.
That means you guys don't have to leave?
This is really great. I was so worried that I would be alone here.
Honey, what's wrong?
Do you guys know that the duty of the imperial censor
is to monitor and impeach all officials and officers?
What's the problem?
The problem Hes in this memorial.
There's already a list of officials to be impeached and their punishments.
They'll all either be dismissed and exiled
or jailed with their properties confiscated.
His Majesty wank you to be the bad guy.
The people on the list
are the trusted followers of Empress Dowager and the two princes
That means once you're promoted, you will offend all the officials?
That's correct. I will offend many colleagues.
In other words many of them will work together against me.
Then His Majesty will make you take the fall?
In the end, you will be dismissed like Brother Zhe?
Get drunk 36,000 times in a hundred years.
Why keep complaining?
Honey.
It's so cold. Why are you standing here by yourself?
You'll catch a cold.
I'm not afraid of the cold since you're there with me.
Honey.
Yes?
Why don't we run away?
Run away? What will happen to Xiaomei and Shaoyou then?
You know His Majesty is capricious
What if he takes it out on Xiaomei and Shaoyou when he gets mad?
Why don't you turn down the job? Don't accept the appointment.
Obviously His Majesty wants to punish me. I can't run forever.
Then tell him directly that
everyone he wants to impeach is good.
Ask him not to punish them.
This isn't about whether they're good or bad or whether they should be impeached.
His Majesty just wants to get rid of the people he hates through me.
I'll be playing the bad guy.
What now? You mean we're doomed?
Don't give up. There must be a way out. Things will work out in due course.
There will be hope.
Lanting College.
Mai!
Wow, why did you jump from there, Dad?
I came to pick you up today to give you a surprise.
Isn't this a huge surprise?
It is. This is your first time picking me up from school.
Right. It's the first time, right?
Right.
It's my fault.
Apart from picking you up, I want to go play with you too.
How about that?
Great. Now?
Let's go...
Dad, let's may hide and seek.
OK. I'll close my eyes first.
OK.
You hide then.
OK.
Hide now.
I'm hiding.
Are you done?
Not yet.
Can I come now?
OK.
Wow.
Dad, how did you find me?
It's a secret. I won't tell you. Hey, your turn to look for me now.
OK.
Come on. Close your eyes. Don't peep.
I won't. Come on.
You really won't peep?
Come on. I won't.
OK...I'm going to hide then.
OK.
Almost...OK.
Got you.
Silly boy.
Dad, where are you. Show yourself. I'm kind of scared.
Dad, I don't want to play. I'm really scared Come on out. I lose.
I don't want to play, Dad. Show yourself.
Mai, I'm here.
Dad.
Silly boy, you just couldn't find me. Did you need to cry like this?
Let me see. Your eyes are swollen. Listen. You're a big boy now.
If I'm not around, you must know how to take care of yourself.
Crying won't help. You need to be strong, OK?
OK.
Louder.
OK.
Shaoyou, how are you and Xiaomei lately?
We were already deeply in love.
After the Silk Village incident, our love has grown even more.
That's good. You two used to quarrel with each other.
Now you're so much in love. As her order brother, I'm relieved...
Take this.
What for?
The imperial censor post is problematic.
If something bad happens to me, I want you and Xiaomei to keep the money.
Given your relationship with His Majesty, he won't be that harsh on you.
Who can say for sure? It's dangerous to serve the emperor.
Besides, he's lost his senses now.
He asked me to take up this post. It's no different from having me killed.
Look at what happened to Empress Dowager.
Anyway you must look after Xiaomei for me no matter what happens.
Don't worry. I won't let her die before me.
Hearing you say that, I have nothing else to add.
What's the matter? What are you doing?
Your Majesty, it's all set.
Spare my life please, Your Majesty... Don't do it..Please spare my life...
It's more fun than I expected.
This torture instrument stand is my latest invention.
It can keep smacking prisoners until they make a confession.
Jixiang, tell them to replace the four ﬂaps with places.
It'll be even more effective.
Your Majesty is smart.
With this instrument, the offenders are sure to talk.
Your Majesty, the doctrine of Confucius
and Mencius stresses the benevolent way.
You must practice kindness to bring about long-term order and stability.
The world is dangerous today. People are tricky.
Those commoners won't repent unless they're threatened with death.
If I don't invent more instruments of torture,
how will people listen to me?
Actually Your Majesty...
Enough. You're lecturing me over such a minor issue.
You're really a killjoy.
Here comes Officer Su.
Your Majesty!
Su Dongpo, I appointed you as imperial censor.
Why haven't you reported to duty yet? You won't comply with my order?
I dare not. I haven't recovered from my injury yet.
That's why I'm staying at home to recuperate.
As soon as I'm well, I will report to duty immediately.
Your Majesty, given Officer Su's education,
I'm afraid he can't manage such an important post as imperial censor.
Prime Minister Wang, you want to second guess me too?
I dare not.
I'm the emperor. I can appoint anyone I want.
Su Dongpo, I'll give you five more days.
In five days, 1 want to see you in the assembly.
I don't care if you walk in by yourself or you have to be carried in by someone.
Yes, Your Majesty.
If I don't see you in five clays,
I can find out it this is more effective with maces.
Good. Well played. The tune you played is as jolly as my mood.
My soulmate listens to me play the zither.
Your Majesty is really my soulmate.
You're my sweet baby
You didn't lose the throne because you're so blessed.
You will revive Song and be great.
Only you are true to me.
They're all opposing me even though I used to trust them so much.
You've learned a lesson. Now you can tell who's loyal or unfaithful.
I won't spare whoever says no to me again. In particular I hate Su Dongpo the most.
I heard that you really want to punish him.
Yes. Do you think it's a good idea?
Officer Su is gifted. He did make a mistake this time.
But Your Majesty can show him leniency.
Give him a chance to make up for his mistake.
Why are you all pleading for him?
What's so great about him that even you are trying to mitigate for him?
Did he bribe you.
If I could be bribed,
I would have mesmerized Your Majesty long ago
so you wouldn't work hard or love the people anymore, right?
That's true.
I stayed in Su Mansion for a while.
Based on my observations, Officer Su is a patriot.
He's loyal to you too.
I don't want you to lose such a talent.
Besides, you said before that Wang Anshi is out for himself.
You've just reinstated him to the post of prime minister.
What if he monopolizes the power again? The consequence could be dire.
If you let Su Dongpo stay,
there would be checks and balance between them.
Then you won't need to worry so much.
Don't worry.
Reinstating Wang Anshi to the post of prime minister
is just a contingency measure.
Once I've found a replacement, I will dismiss him immediately.
This old fool always tries to stop me from making you my concubine.
I really hate him.
Actually, I love you the same
whether I get to be your concubine or not.
That's why I do need your support so much.
The officials either side with Su Dongpo or Wang Anshi.
They join different parties and groups.
I will start recruiting my own followers now.
When the time is right, I will purge those against me.
Su Mansion.
How is it?
It's trigram variation.
Working diligently round the clock. Staying vigilant even at night.
Everything will be fine.
What does that mean?
It means a gifted man may be in difficulty.
But if he acts carefully, he will survive in the end.
That means Brother Dongpo will be fine?
I told you God will protect him.
Then there shouldn't be a problem
for you to submit your resignation to His Majesty.
OK. God says I will survive. You guys don't need to worry now, right?
Thank you very much for telling them just now that I will survive.
They can sleep well tonight.
Don't mention it.
But isn't it a good chance for you to make a comeback
since His Majesty has appointed you the imperial censor?
Why do you want to resign?
You don't understand.
His Majesty wants me to impeach the officials.
In other words, I will make many enemies.
I will send Runzhi and Mai to my hometown first
If necessary, they will change their names too.
The duty of taking care of the women falls on you now.
But could you be worrying too much? If His Majesty really hates you,
he should be happy that you'd want to quit and leave.
Why would he stop you from doing so?
I wish he thought like that.
By the way, what did the hexagram just now say?
I want to know.
It was Gui Mei Thunder. Bad omen. Nothing good.
It means there are hurdles at work. There's nothing to gain.
It's more ominous than propitious.
I haven't been a temple attendant for some time.
I've forgotten many things already. Perhaps it's not that reliable.
I don't think it is. Otherwise you wouldn't be sitting here now.
Right...
Have some tea, Jichang.
It's not reliable...
You want to sell the restaurant? I haven't made an offer yet.
What are you doing, Yue'e?
What are you doing?
What? You want to buy this restaurant for 80,000 copper coins?
Spring Wine Restaurant has goodwill and regular customers.
It's situated at the city center.
You can't buy it with less than 100,000 copper coins.
Why are you selling it to him at such a cheap price?
Just mind your own business.
I will triple the price.
I'll pay 240,000 copper coins to buy Spring Wine Restaurant.
240,000 copper coins?
Yes. I want to take all the staff too. I mean you two.
Under my management, Spring Wine Restaurant
will become more outstanding and there will be more customers.
Boss Xie, can you beat my offer?
Listen carefully. I won't sell it to you. You've already stolen my Tied Together Fans.
Now you want to steal Sis Runzhi's baby too?
You have no right to comment. You're just an employee.
Why do you Want to compete for this? Why did you bid up the price?
I want to. If you say a word again, I'll raise the offer further.
300,000 copper coins. Deal or no deal?
Yue'e, are you crazy?
Do you know how difficult it is to run a restaurant?
You're paying so much. You could lose it all.
How about this? I'll pay 100,000 copper coins.
Boss Xie, we will sell the restaurant to you then.
OK.
Why would there be such a bargain?
Think about it. I offered 300,000 copper coins.
They refused to sell the restaurant to me.
They're selling it to you for 100,000 copper coins?
Hey.
Use your brain.
Yue'e, what are you doing?
I want to transfer the business to someone as soon as possible.
Obviously they're heavily in debt. They want you to take the fall for them.
Once you've bought the restaurant,
all the creditors will come and collect the debts from you.
No, that's not true.
Thanks for the warning...
No, that won't happen...
I need to reconsider this...
That's not true...
The only buyer has left. Do you guys have a choice?
I'm offering 300,000 copper coins. Deal?
No deal.
What?
No deal.
Fine. I'll smear Spring Wine Restaurant.
Let's see if you'll find another buyer. You call yourself my good friend?
When have you ever treated me like a good friend?
Get out of my way.
Chen Mansion.
Who let you in?
All your servants have left because you yell at them so much.
Who's here to pass a message for you now?
Why have you come here?
I know you're mad at Damei and me. But I hope you will listen to me.
What do you want to say? Shoot.
Why don't you...quit?
What do you mean quit?
Don't bear a grudge against us anymore. Sis Runzhi is the only friend you have left.
If you keep making trouble, you'll even lose your only friend.
What will you have left then? Just money.
I'm happy with money as my only friend. Oh, I still have you, right?
You may not live here anymore,
but we're still bound by our marriage certificate, right?
Declaration of divorce.
So you prepared this long ago.
I know Fat Po is in trouble.
Otherwise he wouldn't need to sell Spring Wine Restaurant.
You're his good friend and relative.
If His Majesty wants to punish him, I will get into trouble too sooner or later.
That's why I must distance myself from you. Sign the declaration of divorce now.
Honey...
You're still calling me honey?
Don't think you can make me change my mind.
If you want me to be fine, put your fingerprint on it now.
OK. From now on, well go our separate ways. We're no longer related. You may leave.
I...
See the guest out.
Yes, Mam.
There are two more. When sill you deliver them?
I'm working hard on them already.
When?
Well...
You can't get it done or you don't want to get it done?
No, the Sus are leaving the capital in a couple days.
I haven't figured out an excuse to stay yet.
You're a member of the Su family. Leave with them.
What?
Just do it. I'll find you when I need you.
Yes.
Master Su, the luggage is outside.
OK. Honey, give them their wages.
OK. This is from master.
The sum on top is a token of his appreciation.
Thank you, Mrs. Su.
I've cooked a lot of food for you guys. You must finish it before you leave.
Don't be so unhappy.
Sis Runzhi cooked for you guys even though she was so busy.
She wants you to enjoy the food.
It's a happy handshake.
Master Su, the journey to your hometown is so long.
You'll need someone to carry things for you.
I don't have a family. Why don't you let me go with you?
Mrs. Su, please don't ask me to leave. Let me carry on serving you, please.
Right. You don't need to pay me wages. I just need meals and accommodation.
I know you guys are kind.
But I'm running for my life now. I'm not going on a holiday.
Anyway, you don't need to worry.
Once I've settled down, I will come see you guys.
That's right. There's always a time to part.
If fate allows, we will meet again.
Imperial order.
His Majesty says
that the five-day recuperation period for the Imperial Censor Su Shi
will be over soon.
He must report to duty immediately. No further delay is allowed.
Noted.
Be good, Mai, OK?
OK.
I'll get in the carriage with Mai.
OK.
Jichang, there are three women and a kid. I'm counting on you to look after them, OK?
Don't worry. I will take care of them.
Brother Dongpo, we'll wait for you in your hometown.
OK. Hit the road now.
Let me see you guys off at the city gate.
Why didn't you get in the carriage?
Who will look after you if I leave?
If you stay, I will worry about you.
I will worry about you too if you're not there with me.
This is the list of promotions, demotions and transfers
that I've prepared for Your Majesty's perusal.
Tian Sanchuan will take up the post of imperial censor?
You know I've already appointed Su Dongpo to take up this post.
You're still making so many suggestions. Have you no respect for me?
I overlooked that. Pardon me please, Your Majesty.
How dare you defy my will!
I put the nation's interest first
I have no intention of turning against Your Majesty.
God is actually really good to us. You're going to the assembly tomorrow.
We can still enjoy some quiet time together today.
Actually I do regret it a bit.
You regret marrying me?
Of course not.
I regret that I still miss your cousin even though she died so many years ago.
I've neglected you.
I regret that I continued to patronized
prostitutes at Lumin Club
after I married you just to save face.
That made you unhappy.
If I had known that our time together as husband and wife would be so short,
I would have spent every night with you.
It's OK. It's not too late to regret that now.
When this is over, you can repent and change Start all over again.
Spend every day with me.
If we survive this ordeal, I will act differently. You and I will...
What? Patronize prostitutes together?
Of course not. Haven't I done that enough?
I mean I will be at your disposal. I will go wherever you take me to.
Fine.
OK. Don't go any further. Go home.
Sis Damei, Brother Jichang, you must care. You too, Sis Mi.
Xiaomei, you must take care too, OK?
Xiaomei, take care. OK. Let's go.
Goodbye.
Gao Gui, shall we go now?
They need to conduct an inspection. Then we can leave the city.
OK.
They're Officer Su's family. Seize them.
What are you guys doing.